Cat banned from visiting Buddhist bank robber in jail

A Buddhist bank robber has had his request for his cat to have visiting rights to him in jail turned down by a court – despite his plea that it is the reincarnation of his mother.

Peter Keonig, 46, is serving five-years for armed robberies in Werl, Germany.

He went to court this week demanding the right for his cat Gisela to be allowed to visit him in jail "because she is my dead mum".



Buddhists believe that people come back as other animals after death. He said: "I know it is mummy. She looks after me just the way she did. I need to see her like other prisoners see their wives and children."

But the court turned him down. "While we respect the religious freedom of individuals, the accused has not been able to furnish proof that his deceased mother has been reborn in a cat. Therefore, the request for visiting rights for the feline is rejected."

The court did say he would be allowed to write to the cat.